The rules surrounding changes in health insurance are dynamic and have been evolving. Some agents worry that these changes may replace us - just as Travelocity replaces many travel agencies. Others have called for our expertise and advice to become more important because health insurance is a more complex purchase than airline tickets, and because consumers may be confused about these new channels.
I hope that the role of the agent will become clearer over time. At the same time, here is an overview of what we do - and we don't know about health insurance exchanges.
Health Insurance Exchange: Definition
The Health Insurance Exchange is an online marketplace where individuals and small businesses can purchase, compare and purchase health insurance. Think of it as Expedia or Travelocity's health insurance. No one needs to use the exchange; this is an additional channel that is added to the market.
Some states in which the Alliance Insurance Group is located, including Colorado, are actively building their own changes, which are permitted by federal law but are subject to certain standards. Countries that choose not to create exports before 2014 will be required to use the Federal Exchange.
Countries that build their own change often cite a desire to control their own destiny and tailor the exchange to the needs of the local population. Countries that refuse to exchange proposals often mention that they are unwilling to support any aspect of the federal reform bill, and they hope that the bill will be abolished by the Supreme Court.
In general, insurance exports allow consumers and small businesses:
- Purchase and compare health plans, which must include certain standardized benefits.
- Eligibility for preferential relief is determined in the form of a tax credit.
- Call or sit down with someone who can help explain the various benefits and program features.
- Registration plan.
The following are some of the most relevant aspects of the changes to the independent insurance agent's health insurance.
Consumer access agent
The National Association of Health Insurers [NAHU] is lobbying for the inclusion of agent contacts in change. Online system. This can be similar to a national web-based home sales portal that presents listing information in a standard format, but also means potential homebuyers and state-licensed real estate agents.
The importance of certification
NAHU also believes that all agents involved in the change must pass an annual exam that covers private insurance, public assistance and subsidized options to ensure that they are familiar with all the insurance that consumers can choose. This knowledge is very important for agents and individuals who fill the new role of "health care navigator". The Navigator will receive federal funding to help educate the public, distribute information about admissions and advanced credits, and provide admission assistance. NAHU believes that the navigator has repeated the role of licensed agents and questioned the wisdom of using federal funds for these positions. However, if you use a navigator, they should be subject to the same strict licensing and continuing education requirements as the agent.
Marketing and commission restrictions
People have been talking about limiting agents. NAHU strongly opposes marketing activities and responsibilities related to its activities in change. The reason is that these constitutional precedents - medical insurance advantages - do not apply at all here. For the health insurance market for under 65 and small businesses, potential customers often want agents to provide additional information about life, dental, disability and other typical employee benefits in one meeting.
Regarding the agreement, we believe that these should be decided by private health insurance companies, just like today. In other words, the health plan has begun to cut contracts to address other aspects of health care reform, such as administrative and medical loss rate requirements. The best guarantee for reducing commissions is to work with the General Administration of Management [MGA], which can consolidate the sales activities of many agents, and the insurance company guarantees a large amount of business.
Is the exchange really helpful?
It can be said with certainty that "the jury has already been out of this matter".
Will the exchange reduce the premium? The answer depends to a large extent on the structure of the risk pool. Some argue that the independent pool of individuals and small businesses is the fairest because the premium more accurately reflects the risks of these two distinct markets. Others say that merging these pools will spread the risk to a larger base, thereby driving down prices for everyone.
Will communication improve the overall health of the population? The hope is that, among other things, large-scale emergency room visits will be reduced once a larger percentage of citizens are covered. Others retort that those with low-yield/high-deductible plans will seek preventive care or even acute care before absolutely necessary. Will communication improve the health care buying experience? possible. In theory, the benefits of arranging "Apple and Apple" should make shopping easier - as long as it does not lead to a series of indistinguishable, seemingly similar plans that blur together and further confuse consumers.
Like so many aspects of health care reform, we as agents may have to accept change and adapt as much as possible to the changing environment. Number of advantages - With your local professional organization and an excellent MGA that helps you complete your insurance agency business plan, you can master these changes as elegantly and intelligently as possible.
Orignal From: What do we do (and don't do) understand the health insurance exchange
No comments:
Post a Comment